Childminder in Hertfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY281451 Inspection date 02/02/2011 Inspector Ann Cozzi

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and nine years in a maisonette in Ware, Hertfordshire. The childminder mainly uses the ground floor of the property for childminding activities. Outdoor play is provided by the use of local parks

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding one child in the early years age group. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a well-developed knowledge and understanding of children's individual needs which means that she effectively promotes their welfare and learning. Children are safe and secure and have the opportunity to learn about their local environment and the world around them. Partnerships with parents are successful in making sure that the needs of all children are met, along with any additional support needs. Partnerships with other settings are satisfactory. Children progress well given their age, ability and starting points. The childminder undertakes reflective practice, identifying priorities for improvement.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 continue to develop a culture of reflective practice and self-evaluation to identify the setting's strengths and priorities for development that will further improve the quality of the provision for all children  develop further the current system of assessment to ensure children's next steps across all areas of learning are clearly linked to the Practice Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility with regard to safeguarding children and knows how to make a referral should she have a concern about a child in her care. She has undertaken written risk assessments of her home and any outings undertaken with children. This further protects children's safety and welfare. The childminder ensures that her premises are secure which prevents any child leaving unescorted. She maintains a daily record This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of children's hours of attendance. This means that children can be safely accounted for at all times. A wide range of personalised written policies and procedures are provided for parents in a welcome pack at the start of placement. This supports the smooth day-to-day running of the service and positive outcomes for children. All records required by legislation are in place and are regularly

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the early years provision

reviewed. This ensures that the childminder remains aware of children's ever- changing needs.

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the early years provision

Children's independence is positively encouraged by the childminder. The good organisation of her home enables even very young children to make lots of choices and decisions about their play and learning. The childminder is responsive to children's individual needs as she has a flexible approach to planning. Children are very happy and demonstrate their confidence in this homely environment where their care and education is promoted in a suitably inclusive manner. The childminder supports diversity, helping to develop children's growing awareness of others and the world around them. There is no bias in her practice in relation to gender, race or disability.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed good relationships with parents. She shares all available and relevant information with them in order to promote children's continuity of care and learning. The childminder understands the importance of developing relationships with other providers and partners, however, this is not relevant to children currently attending. The childminder at times reflects on her practice through discussion with parents and sharing good practice with other local childminders. She uses this information to identify priorities for development that will lead to the continuous improvement of her provision. The childminder strives to ensure her service is sustainable.

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and outcomes for children

Children have fun in this warm and welcoming environment. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the learning and development requirements and guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage. She supports the children in her care very well as they make good progress towards the six early learning goals. Systems are in place to observe, assess and plan for children's learning, although planning is not always securely linked to children's next steps in learning in the Practice Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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and outcomes for children

Babies demonstrate that they are active learners as they enthusiastically crawl, shuffle or walk around, holding on to furniture and exploring their environment with great interest and excitement. The organisation of the areas used enables young children to practise their developing mobility as they eagerly get to items of interest that were previously out of reach. This also encourages their curiosity as independent learners as they freely access low-level toys and resources. Children are encouraged to make good progress in communicating, literacy, numeracy and skills relating to information and communication technology. For example, as they discover with delight that a battery-operated toy plays music and its parts move This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 when they press a button. Children confidently express their feelings and needs without hesitation using a variety of means, for example, sounds, words and

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and outcomes for children

gestures when they are hungry. Young children demonstrate their enjoyment and pleasure when playing alone or alongside the childminder. Children have fun as they explore and investigate musical instruments. They use single-handed tools as they hit the keys of a xylophone and move their bodies from side to side in time to the beat when they hear music playing. They begin to learn about the wider world through trips out and about in the local community as they regularly visit places, such as, parks, indoor play centres and toddler groups. This provides them with the chance to become familiar with the diverse society they live in and develop an understanding of the behaviours of others through interaction.

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and outcomes for children

Children demonstrate a sense of belonging and security which is clearly shown through their warm interaction with the childminder. They learn how to keep themselves and others safe through daily routines and practice, for example, learning about road safety when out with the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene through established hygiene routines which are part of daily practice and help to promote their understanding of developing healthy habits. They are encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards being active with daily opportunities to be in the fresh air and expend their energy safely. As a result, they begin to learn about adopting healthy lifestyles. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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